10 Gorgeous Hanging Plants That Thrive Indoors [No Fail!]

9. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) – The Blooming Beauty

Get ready to meet the spectacular Lipstick Plant, or Aeschynanthus radicans! This plant is an absolute stunner, especially when it decides to show off its incredible flowers. It’s a tropical hanging plant that really does bring a vibrant, jungle feel right into your home, kind of like capturing a piece of a warm, sunny paradise like here in San José del Cabo.

What’s the Story Behind That Playful Name?

The common name “Lipstick Plant” is wonderfully descriptive! This beauty features lovely, often glossy green leaves that trail beautifully. But the real show starts when it blooms. It produces these amazing vibrant red tubular flowers that emerge from darker, almost maroon-colored calyxes (the base of the flower). The way the red flower peeks out of the darker tube looks exactly like a little tube of lipstick being twisted up!

I remember the first time I saw one in bloom; I was just mesmerized. It’s such a clever and delightful surprise. It’s one of those flowering houseplants that makes everyone ask, “What IS that?!” It’s a true lipstick vine that adds a playful yet elegant touch.

Let the Sun Shine In (For Those Fabulous Flowers!)

Now, if you want to see those signature lipstick blooms, providing the right light is absolutely key. The Lipstick Plant needs bright, indirect light to encourage blooming. Think of a spot where it gets plenty of good, strong light for a good portion of the day, but isn’t sitting in harsh, direct sun that could burn its leaves.

An east-facing window where it gets that lovely morning sun, or a well-lit spot near a south or west-facing window (maybe filtered by a sheer curtain if the sun is too intense) is ideal. I’ve found that if they don’t get enough light, they’ll still grow nice green leaves, but you might be waiting a long time for those red tubular flowers. It’s all about giving it that good energy to power up those blooms!

Watering Your Tropical Treasure: Keeping it Happy

Being a tropical native, the Lipstick Plant generally likes its soil to be kept moist during the growing season (spring and summer), but you’ll want to reduce watering in the winter when its growth slows down. You don’t want it to be constantly waterlogged, as that can lead to root issues, but you also don’t want it to dry out completely for too long, especially when it’s actively growing or trying to bloom.

I usually check the top inch of soil; if it’s starting to feel a bit dry, I give it a good watering. Good drainage is important, as always. These plants also appreciate a bit of humidity, so if your air is dry, misting it occasionally or placing it in a naturally more humid room like a bright kitchen or bathroom can be beneficial. It’s a bit of a balance, like caring for many gesneriads (the family it belongs to).

Decorating with a Dash of Tropical Glam

The Lipstick Plant definitely adds a tropical flair to any space. With its cascading glossy leaves and those unexpected pops of bright red flowers, it’s a fantastic statement piece. It’s particularly great for sunrooms or bright living areas where it can get the light it needs to perform its floral show.

Imagine its vibrant vines trailing from a hanging basket, with those little “lipsticks” peeking out – it’s instant cheer! It brings a feeling of lushness and life, making your home feel a bit more like a vibrant, tropical escape. It’s a plant that doesn’t just blend in; it really brings the party!

The Not-So-Secret Secret to Blooms: That All-Important Light!

I can’t stress this enough: the main flowering tip for the Lipstick Plant is that it truly needs enough light to produce its signature blooms. If you’ve had a Lipstick Plant for a while and it’s looking healthy with plenty of green leaves but no flowers, the first thing to check is its light situation.

I had one that I initially kept in a spot that was a bit too shaded. It grew, but no flowers. After moving it to a brighter location, it took a few months, but then – success! Those little lipstick tubes started appearing, and it was such a rewarding moment. Patience and the right light are your best friends for getting this beauty to bloom.

Isn’t the Lipstick Plant just a burst of fun and tropical charm? Those unique flowers are such a delightful surprise! Now, if you’re ready for our final no-fail hanging plant, this next one offers a totally different kind of beauty with its unique, architectural form.

Ready to meet a fern that looks like a lush, green bird’s nest? Click the NEXT button below to discover the striking Bird’s Nest Fern!